Below are the Funza Lushaka Application procedures to follow. Note: All first-time applicants must be under the age of 30 to apply for the Funza Lushaka Scholarship.
The Funza Lushaka Scholarship is very popular in South Africa. If you want to make a difference and become a teacher, Funza Scholarships may be a way to fund your studies. We also offer
It is a teaching bursary and offers support to students who want to become a teacher. The provider of the bursary is the Department of Basic Education in South Africa. It is a multi-year bursary and its goal is to support teaching in public schools. Funza Lushaka offers 2 different bursaries
What does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants will have the following covered through the Funza Lushaka bursary:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation costs (for either residence or approved accommodation)
- Meals
- Small monthly allowance for living expenses
- In exceptional circumstances, traveling costs may be included in the cost of traveling hiders the student from accepting the bursary
Who Can Apply For the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
First lets start by who can NOT apply for Funza Lushaka bursaries.
- If you have a criminal record, if you are charged of misconduct, or if you are dismissed from work, applying for this bursary will be a waste of time.
- Employees from Higher Education Institutions are not allowed to apply for this bursary and neither is their family.
- if you already have some teaching qualifications, you are not allowed to receive this bursary
Besides stating who can not apply, they are also very clear about these guidelines:
- The only to apply is by online application. They will not accept hard copies of printed forms
- If you completed the Funza Lushaka online application, they require you to print it and keep it with you.
What Are the Requirements for the Funza Lushaka Application 2021?
Applicants for the Funza Lushaka Bursary must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered:
Basic requirements
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Must have already been accepted to an appropriate field of study at a recognized higher education institution
- Must be committed to and enthusiastic about a professional teaching career with interests that include working with young people, readiness to face and overcome challenges
- Must have personal integrity
- All first-time applicants have to be younger than 30 years old
First Time Entrants To University
- You need proof you can start with your bachelor degree at Matric Grade 12
- At least a 4 rating for the subjects you want to specialize in to become a teacher
- You need to have passed Mathematics or mathematics literacy at Grade 12 level and a minimum level of 4 for home language if your intention is to specialize for foundation phase
- If you have completed your Matric before 2008, you will need an average of 50% (before mathematics was compulsory)
- If you want to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, you will need a level 4 pass for Mathematics. This also counts for CAT and for those students without these levels for matric
If you are a new applicant but already studying at University
- You must have passed all your subjects in your last year of study.
- At least an average score of 55% for your last year of study.
- At least an average score of 55% for the subjects you intend to become a teacher in.
- Take into account that the above requirements are the bare minimum. The Funza Lushaka bursary is for ambitious students. High Academic results will be awarded firstly.
Requirements for the PGCE Post Graduate Bursary
If you want to apply for the Funza postgraduate bursary there are some different requirements namely the following:
- You need to be Academically qualified to do the Post Graduate degree
- Foundation Phase: You need to have a Major in Psychology and African Language
- Intermediate, senior and further phase: You will need to have majored for the subjects you want to specialize in
- You will need TWO identified priority subjects at a second-year level (they really emphasize this)
- You need adequate modules for the topics you decided to specialize in
Requirements for students who already have the Funza Lushaka Bursary
- From your last year of study, you will need to have passed at least 66.6% of all your modules
- The same counts for the priority subject areas
- If you are only doing 1 major, you need to pass this major.
- You need to be progressing to your next year of study
- You need to have passed at least 50% of all the modules in your study
What Happens When You Completed Your Study With Funza Bursaries?
Before we go to explain how to apply for Funza, we want to emphasize what Funza expects from you when you completed your study.
- You will be required to work as a teacher on a public school for the same number of years you received their bursary.
- If you decide you dont want to teach at a public school, you need to repay the bursary (please read the small letters in the bursary contract)
- You need an email address and a phone number so Funza may contact you
How to Apply For the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Funza Lushaka Online Application
Everything we described so far comes from the notes they have on the Funza website. Please read it before you apply. The steps described below are clearly written on the Funza website.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question- Go to the Government portal—–>www.eservices.gov.za
- Register an account or make a new one
- Select Funza Lushaka Bursary
- Enter the OTP you will receive with your preferred channel
- Click “Next”
- Read the terms and conditions carefully. If you agree, accept them.
- Now you will see an application button for 2020, click it
- Follow every step and complete all required fields
- Confirm that what you have written is true and don’t forget to hard print your application
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.